Arsenal are reportedly interested in Cristian Romero, but Tottenham Hotspur are totally against selling to their local rivals.
James McNicholas reported for The Athletic on Thursday evening that Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero this summer.
The report added that Spurs were unaware of Arsenal’s interest, so the Gunners’ enquiries were presumably through intermediaries. But Spurs would be unwilling to sell Romero to Arsenal, and they consider that deal a non-starter.
Instead, Spurs are likely to sell abroad, with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan interested. Inter previously verbally agreed a fee of around €40m, but haven’t agreed personal terms, allowing Atletico to enter the race.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Atletico are in club-to-club talks with Spurs over Romero, adding that Arsenal have indeed made enquiries, but Atletico are the primary club in talks with the player as it stands.
Romano adds that part of the problem for Inter’s bid was that they need players to leave first.
Arsenal are looking for a backup defender this summer, with William Saliba set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Gunners are clearly casting a wide net to try and find a good option, though perhaps considering signing Romero is a sign the net is a bit too wide.
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